Jump to content
In our democracy, we advocate for something that should be self-evident: all people have the same right to participate in social life, regardless of income, origin, or identity. The reality is not like this: social inequality is increasing. Many people live below the poverty line, without adequate access to housing or healthcare. Discrimination and exclusion are part of everyday life for queer people, people with a migration background, women, older people, and people with disabilities. We use strategic litigation to fight for equal rights for all people.

Sarah Lincoln

Legal Director and Head of the Work Area "Equal Rights and Social Participation"

"On paper, human dignity comes first. We go to court when it is disregarded. Because a free society is only possible if all people can live with social security and without discrimination."

our topics


anti-discrimination

We take action against laws, authorities, and companies that discriminate against members of certain groups. Because: “All people are equal before the law,” promises Article 3 of the Basic Law. Nevertheless, many people in Germany are discriminated against and stigmatized. Women, people with disabilities, older people, queer people, immigrants, and people of color know what it feels like to be devalued, marginalized, and attacked for being themselves. We support their fight for equality and participation with legal means.

weiter zum Thema >


Migration

We support refugees and other migrants in defending themselves against laws that violate fundamental rights and discriminatory authorities. After all, our constitutional state must be measured by whether legal guarantees also apply to particularly vulnerable groups. In practice, however, refugees often receive second-class protection of their fundamental rights: social benefits for asylum seekers are far below the minimum subsistence level, the migration authorities evaluate their cell phones, and the police illegally enter collective accommodation for asylum seekers. We advocate for fair reception conditions, adequate care, and the protection of their privacy.

weiter zum Thema >


Social rights

We are committed to ensuring a dignified life for all. Every person has the right to an adequate standard of living, housing, education, and healthcare—regardless of income, origin, or status. We take legal action to achieve this. Our goal is to achieve landmark decisions that translate human rights and the welfare state principle into individual and enforceable rights—and, in times of growing inequality and social division, enable all people to participate in society. Without this, freedom is of little value and a life of dignity is not possible.

weiter zum Thema >

Grundrechte verteidigen.